Pricing Guide
Honest pricing, no surprises
Auto transport costs vary based on distance, vehicle size, transport type, and current carrier availability. Here's what drives your quote — and what doesn't.
Estimated price ranges by distance
Prices shown are estimates for a standard sedan in good running condition. Larger vehicles, inoperable vehicles, or tight date windows may cost more.
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $350–$600 | $500–$900 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $550–$800 | $750–$1,200 |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $700–$1,100 | $950–$1,600 |
| 2,000+ miles | $900–$1,500 | $1,200–$2,200 |
Ranges reflect typical market rates and are not guaranteed prices. Get an instant quote for an accurate price for your specific route and vehicle.
What Affects Your Price
Seven factors that determine your quote
Understanding these helps you make informed decisions about timing, transport type, and pickup flexibility.
Distance
Longer routes generally cost more in total, but the per-mile rate is often lower for cross-country shipments than short regional moves.
Vehicle Size & Type
Larger vehicles (trucks, SUVs, vans) take up more carrier space and may add cost. Oversized vehicles like lifted trucks or large RVs cost more than standard sedans.
Transport Type
Open transport is the most affordable option. Enclosed transport costs more because the trailer holds fewer vehicles and offers additional protection.
Running Condition
Inoperable vehicles require special equipment (winches, flatbeds) to load. Carriers charge more for non-running vehicles because of the additional labor and equipment.
Season & Demand
Summer and snowbird season (October–January on the Florida–Midwest corridor) see higher demand and slightly higher prices. Midweek bookings are often cheaper.
Pickup Flexibility
Flexible pickup dates give carriers more options to route your vehicle efficiently. Tight date windows may narrow the carrier pool and increase the price.
Fuel Costs
National diesel prices directly affect carrier rates. Our quotes reflect current fuel indexes — we don't hold low prices to win your business and then charge surcharges later.
What's never in our pricing
Hidden fees
The price you confirm at booking is the price you pay. We don't add surcharges after dispatch.
Fuel surcharges
Fuel costs are factored into our carrier rates, not added as a separate line item after booking.
'Marketplace' fees
Some brokers charge an additional marketplace or platform fee on top of the shipping price. We don't.
Pressure upgrades
We won't call you after booking to 'recommend' an upgrade that happens to cost more. The choice is yours at quote time.
Pricing questions
Ironclad Auto Transportation is a licensed auto transport broker, not a carrier. All vehicles are transported by independent licensed motor carriers. Quotes are estimates based on current market rates and are subject to carrier availability. Final price is confirmed at booking.
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